Time-controlled electric switch



July 28, 1925. I 1,547,442

0. H. PIEPER ET AL TIME CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Feb. 14, 1921 2 Sheets-shat 1 j 7 59:1 42 J; a Q I i5 ziznawe [Zi a Q ATTORNEY Patented Jul 28,1925.

UNITED sTaTEsrATeNT OjFFlC E.

OSCAR H. PIEPER m) Lirnonsr: r. rIErER, or RocHEsrEn, NEW YORK.

TIME-CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Application filed February 14, 192;. Serial No. 444,895.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, OSCAR H. Pmrnn and ALrHoNsE-F. PIEPER, of Rochester, in

the county of Monroe and State of New- York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Time-Controlled Electric Switches; and we do hereby declare the fol lowing to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and to the reference numerals marked thereon.

This invention has to do with time controlled electric switches and relates more particularly to the variety operating to antomatically govern a circuit at the end of a predetermined time period, the chief object of the invention being to provide a practical and convenient switch of the above character adapted for accurately and automatically deenergizing a circuit at the end of a selected period-of time. Tothese andother ends the invention consists in' certain improvements and comblnations of parts, all

' as will be hereinafter more fully described,

the novel features being'pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front view of a time switch embodying the present invention.

Figure 2' is a side view of the same.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 are similar sectional views on the line 33 of Figure 1 show- 'ing the parts in different positions, with parts broken away in Figure 5.

Figure 6shows a timing gear train as seen from the line 6 6 in Figure 4.

Fi ures 7 and 8 are sectional views on the line *-7. of Figure 3, showing the parts indifferent positions.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view on the line 99 of Figure 4.

Similar reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

The present embodiment of the invention illustrates an adaptation of-the latter particularly suited for use in connection with X-ray apparatus such as disclosed in our copending application SerialNo. 410.468, filed September 15, 1920, for unitary light projecting apparatus, for accurately deenergizing the circuit of the X-ray tube at the end of an exposure period of selected duration, but it is to be understood that the invent-ion is capable ofa wide variety of uses and thisembodiment is intended merely by way of illustration of the principles involved and a preferred practical application of the same, and is capable of various ino'die fications in the details of construction and operation falling within the scope of the claims. In the use referred to it has been foundconvenient to provide a simple, compact and readily controlled switch of a port able character adaptedto be carried in the hand, so that the operator can control the energization of the X-ray tube at any favorable instant while free to assume any position about the apparatus which the work may render advisable. Tothis end the switch is in the form of a hand instru ment connected by extension cords with the apparatus so that it may be carried .to any position adjacent the latter. Referring more particularly to the drawmgs, and rst to 'Figuresl and 2, there is shown a casing, in the present instance of aluminum, having a housing portion 10 with x a handle portion 11, which portions are preferably threadedly and detachably connected as shown in Figure 7. The front side.

-12 of the hotising portion is preferably re-r movable and held in place-as by screws 12,

and is provided with a zero point 13 adjacent the periphery of a aduated index or dial plate 14 marked with suitable indi cia in the present instance indicating seconds of time from 1 to 15. This dial is rotatable to bring the various second graduations selectively into registry with the zero mark by means of a knob 15, to set the timing mechanism as will appear morev fully hereaftela.

Referring to igures 3,'4 and 6 for a description of the timing mechanism, there is supported by means of posts 16 secured to the rear-side of the housing as by means of screws 17 a pair of s aced supporting plates 18 and 19 between which is carried a timing gear train or clock mechanism of any suitable construction which forms no part of the resent invention, however, and requires no etailed description further than to say that this train comprises preferably withina gear 21 a spring motor of a common variety. Gear 21 is rotated to wind the spring to drive the train bymeans of a pinion 22 fixed with afrat'chet wheel 23 on a spindle 24 extendin' forwardly through the front I side of the ousing and havin adjustably carried thereon the dial 14 and nob 15 previously described. Ratchet wheel 23 is preferably connected by means ofa pawl (not I shown) with a gear which serves 'to drive- I the train as the I apparent that kn sition'until released, as herea fter'described.

When'the time train. is released it is driven by the spring motor for a period proportional to the space through which the dial is moved insetting, as indicated by the graduations on the latter, and the-dial is returned to 'zero position.

The time tra'" terminates a spindle 26 carrying a fan governor 27 and the spindle 7 extends through a perforation in the rear supporting plate 18. Fixed on the rear side of plate 18 is a leaf spring28 carrying adjacent its end a brake finger 29 registering with the end of-spindle 26 and adapted to be pressed against the latter by the. spring to normally hold the 'spindlea ainst'rotation. Fixed'on plate 18] also, etween the latter and spring 28, is a second leaf spring 30,. and pring 30"extends at its dputer end opposite and against the rear en of a bar or plunger31 sliding in bearing openings in plates 18 and 19 and extending through the forwardside of a Housing where it is provided with afinger piece or push button 32. It is apparent that by depressing button 32, against the tension of spring 30, the 'lattris brought to bear against spring 28 to move the latter rearwardly and carry its finger 29'out of contact with the time train spindle 26. This mechanism thus forms a restraining device or brake for the ,time train adapted to normally hold the latter a ainst movement in any position of setting w 'ich may be given to it by knob 15 until the button 32 is depressed to release the brake, when the time train is driven by the spring motor and rotates the dial backwardly tomitial position.

Button 32 is also provided with means for opera-tin a plurality of electrical contacts, herea er described, simultaneously with the release of the restraining means or brake which sets the time train in operation, such means comprising preferably a pivot pin 33 carried by and extending across an opening in the plunger 31, and on this pin is supported a part or'dog 34 arranged Clip 38 carries on its under side 'a contact to engage duringrearward movement of the plunger with one endof a lever 35 pivoted at 36 on lugs on plate 19. The other end 37 of this lever bears against an insulating surface on "a-spring clip 38 of electrically conducting material fixed as b means of screws 38'? to a -block 39 of insulating material fixed 1n turn by means of screws '40 on plate 19.

41 ada ted,;upon depression of the clip, by the ever, to engage a contact 42 on a understood in the art. Screws 38*, 44 and 46 form binding posts for the connections with the circuits to be overned, the contacts bein shown in close and open positions in Figures 4 and 3, respectively, as adjusted by movement of lever 35. The latter has an extension 47 for engagement with plate 19 to limit its movement under actuation of the contact springs, and it is apparent that with the lever in such position, Figure 5, with the contacts in open, relation, depression of button 32v by means of dog 34 swings lever 35 to the position shown in Figure and holds the contacts closed as long as the button is depressed. Dog 34 has a tail portion 48 normally held against plunger 31 by a spring 49 between the latter and an extension 50 on the dog, for holding the dog in position to engage lever 35. Means are provided, however, for automatically swinging dog 34 onits pivot at the 'end of the selected time eriod so that it disengages lever 35, permitting the latter to be moved by the contact springs and the contacts to besmoved to the circuit.

The means open position, thus breaking for thus moving or tripping dog 34 to allow the contacts to be openedcomprises preferably an element or arm 51 .provided with a kerf 52 embracing the setting spindle 24 of the time train for adjust ably clamping the arm on the spindle as by means .of a screw 53. The arm .is formed with'a cam surface 54 which, at the end of the time period during which the gear train rotates, 1s brou ht into engagement with extension 50 of dog 34, moving or tripping the latter to release the contact lever 35 and allow the contacts to' open. A stop 55 is carried by plate'19 in position to arrest the movement of arm 51 and of the gear train when cam 54 has tripped the dog. Sufiicient tension is initially placed on the gear train motor spring to cause dial 14 to be rotated through the space represented by a unitgraduation thereon" during one second of time, and arm 51 is then clamped on spindle 24 in engagement with'stop 55: Dial 14 is then adjusted on spindle 24 with its zero mark opposite the fixed zero on the housing and the instrument isthen ready for use.

In operation, as indicated by theabove description, knob 15' is rotated through a space corresponding to the number ofseconds for which it is desired to energize the call opened by. the tripping device descri ed, so that the desired time period is accurately and automatically measured and the circuit opened Without requiring further attention on the'part of the operator than the initial setting of the time train and the application of pressure. to the button. It is I to be understood of course that button 32 is held depressed by the operators finger until the timing mechanism has opened thecontacts at the end of the selected period,

although of course if desired the button might be depressed and released one or more for some reason interrupted, Ordinarily however thebutton is depressed and held depressed until the time train opens the con- -to one position and releasin tacts. a e

The invention provides an exceedingly convenient time switch of a light, compact and portable character adapted to be carried in the hand of thecperator. The time train is-quickly and readily set to correspond with the desired duration of the exposure with little chance for error, and the operator may then energize the apparatus and accurately efiect the desired exposure at a favorable instant from any, position 'he may wish to assume about the apparatus by a simple pressure of the button. The construction is practical, compact and reliable and affords a conveniently useful and attractive instrument. i

' We claim as our invention:

1. In a time -controlled electricswitch, a

7 pair of contents, a timing gear train, a motor for driving said'train, admstable means for setting said train to operate through a selected eriod of time, a brake for said train, control i said brake to 7 start said train, and a devlce actuated by ,7 said timing train to efiect movement of said contacts to another "position at the end of said selected period. H

a 2. in a time controlled e1ectric-switc'h,a

plurality of contacts, 'atiming gear train, a

motorfor driving said tram, adjustable urneansffor preliminarily setting said train to operate through a selected period of time, a brake ffor hol ing said tram inset posi latter to one'position and with said brake ing means for moving said contacts -windmg' said train sprin of the latter period.

to release the same and start said train, and

a device actuated by said timing train for operate through a selected period of time,

a brake for holding said train in set position, a finger piece connected with said contacts and brake to move the contacts to one position and release the brake to start said train, and a device actuated by said train for disestablishinggsaid connection between said finger piece and contacts to permit movementof the latter to another position at the end of said selected period. a

4. In a time controlled electric switch, a plurality of normally open spring actuated contacts, a timing gear train, a motor for driving said train, adjustable means for preliminarily Setting said train to operate through aselected' period of time, a brake for holding said train in set position, controlling means connected by movable parts with said contacts and brake to simultane- 'ously close said contacts and release said' contacts ,'a timing geantrain, a motor for" driving said train, adjustable means comprising a graduated dial for preliminarily setting said train to operate through a selected period of time, retaining means for holding said train inset position, a push button connected with said contacts and retaining means to simultaneously 'close the contacts and release the restraining means, and a device actuated by said timing train to 'disconnect said push button and contacts to perrun mit opening of the latter at the end of said selected period. a

. 6. In a time controlled electric switch, a

said contacts,-. and a device actuated by sai I train for moving said part to disconnect said finger piece and contacts and permit opening 7. In a time controlled electric switch, a plurality of contacts, a; timing gear train, a motor for driving the latter, adjustable at the end 'of said selected I through a selected time period, retaining means for holding saidtrain in set position,

- a finger piece movable to release said re-- li taining means, a dog pivotally carried on said finger piece having means for moving said contacts to one position during said movement of the finger piece, and-a tripping element actuated by said timing train to trip said dog and effect movementof said con? tacts to another position at the end of said selected I period.

8. In a time controlled electric switch, a plurality of contacts, a timing gear train, a motor for driving the latter, adjustable means for setting said train for operation through a selected time period, spring actuated retaining means normally holding said train against movement, a finger piece mov able to,,release said retaining means to start said train, a dogmovably carried by said I finger piece, a lever' actuated by said dog during said movement I of the finger piece for moving said contacts to one position, and

a tripping element actuated by said train to disengage said dog and. lever and efiect' movement of said contacts to-another position at-the end of said timeperiod.

-9. In a time controlled electric switch, a plurality of spring actuated contacts, a timing gear train, a motor for driving the latter, adjustable means for setting said train for operation through a selected time period, spring actuated retaining means for holding said train against movement, a plunger movable to release said retaining means and having a dog pivoted thereon,- a pivoted lever in the path of movement of said dogduring said movement of the plunger fpr closing said contacts, and an element actuated by said train to disengage said dogand lever to permit said contacts to open at the end of said time period.

' 10. A portable'time switch adapted to be carried in the hand comprising a casing hav ing a handle, spring actuated contacts in said casing provided with means for connecting the same in a circuit, a timing gear train in the casing provided with a motor, adjustable means extending through said cassaid train to operate through a selecte' period oftime, restrainin means for bolding said train in set positlon, a finger piece extending through the casing having a connection with said restraining means and contacts to simultaneously release. the former and close the latter, and a tripping device 1 for manually .and automatically controlling ing and provided with an indexfor settin and 11. a device of the class described, a

self opening electric switch, a push-plunger 1 I comprising parts adapted tocooperate unitarily for manually closin and controlling said switch, said parts being also relatively adjustable to release said switch, and time operated means for eflecting said relative adjustment of said parts at the end of 'a' measured period to release the switch for opening movement.

12. Ina device or, the class desdribed, an I electric circuit controlling switch, a member said switch, push button means forvmanually actuating said member, said member and pushbuttbn means being adjustably connected for cooperationunitarily to control the switch and also to permit indepen dent movement of said member, and time mechanism for moving said memberindependently of said button, means to effect automatic control of said switch at theend of a measured period.

. 13. In a device of the class described, a self opening electric switch, clock mechanism for timing theduration of closure of said' switch, a trip member for. closing said switch, a push member cooperating with said trip member for manually closing said switch, said 'trip' member being adjustably connected to said push member, and means operated b said clock mechanism for adjusting sai trip member-relative to the push member while the push member is depressed to close the switch for releasing the switch and eflecting an automatic opening thereof at the end of a predetermined riod.

14. In a device of the class escribed, an

electric circuit controlling switch, a rewind time setting clock mechanism for timed 15. A sclf-opemng electric switch, a'sectionalplun er, means for adjustably connectingsai sections together, saidlunger bein manuallyo erable to close sai switch old it close when the sections are con-. nected' together in one adjustment, and j means for causing-an automatic variabl timed adjustment of said sections to permit in its switch closing .positiom r OSCAR H. PIEPER.

ALPHONSE F. PIEPER.

sectional member is manually held in switch closing position.

opening of said switch while said plunger is 

